Your doctor will assess your baby's condition. This can be done with a physical exam.

Your doctor may order a chromosome analysis. This can be done with a blood sample.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment or cure for trisomy 13 or trisomy 18. Most babies born with trisomy 13 or 18 have severe physical problems. Treatment may focus on making the child comfortable, rather than prolonging life. Talk to your doctor about whether life-prolonging measures are appropriate for your child.

Children who survive infancy may need:

Surgery to correct physical problems

Speech therapy

Physical therapy

Other types of developmental therapy

Prevention

There are no known ways to prevent trisomy 13 or trisomy 18. After these disorders are diagnosed, parents can decide whether to continue or terminate the pregnancy. If you have concerns, talk to a genetic counselor when deciding to have children.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.